CompletedNot Applicable

Can we Reduce Hospital Attendance Without Compromising Care by the Use of Telephone Consultation

United Kingdom104 participantsStarted 2003-11

Plain-language summary

Consultation time in busy respiratory clinics is inevitably limited and attendance is often disruptive to patients' lives; involves time, expense, travel, and waiting; and can have effects upon occupation. Published work suggests that patient satisfaction with telephone consultations is high and this subject has recently been extensively reviewed by one of the study investigators. In respiratory medicine there is United States (US) data to suggest that the regular telephoning of adolescents with asthma by a specialist nurse can reduce unscheduled use of health service resources. In the United Kingdom (UK), a randomised, controlled trial in primary care has shown that, compared to face to face consultations, use of the telephone can enable greater numbers of patients with asthma to be reviewed. Another of the study investigators has undertaken a feasibility study in a general respiratory clinic and has shown the concept of alternating face to face consultation with telephone consultation to be acceptable to over 80% of patients. Over one third were assessed to be suitable in that they did not need to attend the clinic for either physical examination or for investigations. It is therefore proposed to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, time savings and safety of the use of telephone consultation in 3 respiratory clinics in the Department of Respiratory Medicine at Charing Cross Hospital.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 90 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: Patients who had already attended a respiratory clinic on at least two occasions and in whom it was perceived that there was a need for continued follow up in a hospital clinic with review needed more often than once per year Patients with no need for physical examinations or investigations such as chest X-rays, blood tests or lung function tests at every attendance Patients who had access to a confidential telephone line Patients who had no mental, hearing or linguistic problems Exclusion criteria New patients or those who need frequent follow up Patients with mental or cognitive issues Patients requiring physical examination and testing.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Patient Satisfaction

Timeframe: After consultation within 1 months

Patients Needing Expedited Follow up

Timeframe: After phone consultation within 2 weeks

Costs Associated With Traditional Face to Face Consultation

Timeframe: 1 year

Trial details

NCT IDNCT00129701

SponsorImperial College London

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2005-10

Results submitted2020-01-08

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